How long do you wait for response...

[Former_Member]

I sold a piece that needs finishing prior to shipment. The listing clearly stated to include the requested finishing in the notes to the seller. No notes were in the sale notification.

I've convo'd the buyer through etsy and emailed to the address on the receipt.

How long would you wait for a response before you a) send a second email/convo and b) select a default finish, complete the item and ship?

[AbsolutelyClay]

Have they paid in full or just a deposit?
If you were not selling through etsy but to someone local how long would you leave it? I am a bit of a communicator so I wouldn't leave it long before I got in touch. I think I would be reticent to do anything before they got back in touch within reason. Life can be busy or difficult for us all at times and it may just be the same with your customer, or they may just be away on holiday.

[Former_Member]

They paid in full. It's not a big ticket item. I am trying to find the balance between nagging and communicating sufficiently.

[Former_Member]

For items such as this, in the listing you should state that unless noted otherwise in a message to seller that you will use a default finish or Seller's Choice option OR set your listing up using the variations tabs that way the buyer must make a choice before purchasing. This way you aren't hung up trying to finish and ship and item.

It is possible that the buyer didn't read the full listing and doesn't know to have made a choice. I say give it 3 business days and if no response, finish the item like the first photo of your listing and send it on its way and when you do, send a message to your buyer stating that due to lack of communication as to how buyer preferred finishing of item it has been completed like the initial image on the listing.